Hello everyone.

we are at the moment staying lakeside in Phenom Penh at Happy Guest HOuse, and happy we are. We haven been traveling with a group of Brits since arriving in Cambodia. Two couples. We all met on the bus to Sihanoukville ad have been inseperable evr since. will continue on again to ankor with them as well. Crossing the border ws probably the most stressful hour of my life. Someone immediately stole our bags to transport, and was not returning them without a tip. Everyone tried to 'help'. We were foced to take a car across to the bus cuz the bags went right into the trunk, as the kids surrounded us looking for money. Oh the stress. We missed the boat, so ended up taking a bumpy bus, on the 'new road'. Little aircon. and we crossed on atleast 4 man made ferries. Held max 5 cars. Some were siomply long boats with planks across. I was sure we'd sink.

But got to Sihanokville with no problem and settled in. Our cabby would not take us to the bar we wanted because there are gangs at night suposedly. so afetr the "snake house", literally a restaurant filled with snakes (in the tables too), he took us to a local bar. There is no drinking age here, so it was a young kids bday and we partied and danced for a while. was great. The beaches there were dirty, so didn't stay long. So many children everywhere too. breaks my heart.

Took the bus to PP where we are now, and are staying at a nice place right on the lake....more updates to come. Must un now and catch the sunset.

xxR

March 1st : Our last night in Thailand

Hello all,

So this is our last night in tiny Trat of Thailand. Jade is heading to Phuket tomorrow, and Carla, Damien and I will continue on our journey...i believe Carla gave the details yeaterday. Anyhow, not much going on today. Last night we found ourselves at the night market, where you can buy just about any type of food, cooked or uncooked. And take-out comes in tiny plastic bags puffed with air and twisttied. Its so fun trying to guess what each dish is. I love the carts of fruit that they cut up for you on the spot for 10 B, I am addicted to the pineapple. And the mixed fruit shakes that they blend up on the corner for 20B have been keeping me alive.

We ended up at Peir112 for a drink, hoping to sit on the water and catch a breeze. Met the owner, Ming, so friendly. Took us all to the disco. I don't think I ever saw Jade smile so big. It was great. We kidnapped another couple who were at the restaurant too to come with us. We had a great time. Learned to Dance Thai with the locals to a live music and drank Sangsom and Chang as usual. I think the locals were surprised to see us, but all enjoyed our company in the end.

Today was a lazy day. We ran errands and got ready for tomorrow. Found ourself at Cool Corner, an eclectic cafe for three meals today. One very hard working lady, owns, runs, cooks and takes the orders...the only employee. And the food is great! Tons of variety, and the decor is so inviting. Local art, painted recycled furniture, cozy cushions and fish in a little pond in the middle. Just the kind of place I would like to run....maybe someday, but on the beach.

It just started to rain and so I will have to run back to my stuffy room at the POP Guesthouse. Damien and Jade sprang for aircon, so I'll snuggle in for a while and soak up the luxury. If any of you end up in Trat (ie the middle of nowhere and everywhere), I recomend this place. clean, quiet, and run by the most helpful lady I've met so far.

be good, R